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Boris Johnson announcement: What did the PM say in his speech today, Wednesday, January 27?
PRIME Minister Boris Johnson has extended England's lockdown for another three weeks until March 8.
The PM's latest announcement came before Home Secretary Priti Patel sets out plans for quarantine hotels to tackle the coronavirus crisis.
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What time was Boris Johnson's announcement?
The PM first took part in PMQs at 12pm today, Wednesday January 27, followed by urgent questions at 12.30pm at the House of Commons.
His statement was relayed at 1.15pm.
Then, later today - at 5pm - Mr Johnson held a press conference.
What did Boris Johnson announce?
Earlier today, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that he has extended England's lockdown for another three weeks until at least March 8.
The PM said that schools will no longer be able to open after the February half term, but that he hopes they will be able to go back by March 8.
In tonight's press conference the PM said he shares the frustration of pupils and teachers who want nothing more than to get back to the classroom.
He told the press conference he wouldn't risk another surge of the virus by opening schools too quickly though - admitting they did contribute towards the case numbers.
He said: "We all want to be able to reopen schools when we can be sure it will not cause a huge surge in the disease.
"We need to be sure the vaccine rollout is continuing to be successful."
Mr Johnson revealed that the Government will set out its plans for reopening schools and get the economy moving from February 22.
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He added: "We will work with parents, teachers and schools to develop a long term plan."
Earlier today the PM said: "If we achieve our vaccination of vaccinating everyone in the four most vulnerable groups by February 15, and every passing day sees more progress towards this goal, then we hope by three weeks later - March 8 - it will be safe to begin the opening of school by March 8."
He also said that the Government will prolong free school meal arrangements while developing a long term plan with teachers and schools so that students can catch up on lost time.
Addressing hotel quarantines, the Prime Minister said all UK nationals and residents arriving from some countries who cannot be refused entry will have to isolate in hotels for 10 days without exception.
Boris Johnson apologised to the British people after it was revealed that 100,000 deaths from coronavirus have been recorded.
He said: "The most important thing we can do to honour their memory is persevere against this virus with ever greater resolve."
The Prime Minister also confirmed that both the Pfizer and Astrazenica vaccines are effective against the UK variant.
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How can I watch Boris Johnson's announcement?
You can watch the PM's announcement via The Sun's page.
Or, check out the latest updates on the paper's dedicated coronavirus liveblog.
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